Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said the decision to start Lamar Miller over Daniel Thomas in Sunday’s season opener was “the starting point, really,” and that both backs had a strong preseason.

“I think they’ve improved, both of them, and we definitely need those guys to perform well for us,” Philbin added. “I think [Miller] played well. I think he caught the ball well, ran the ball well. I thought Daniel did as well. It’s very, very close.”

I agree both RB's have played well. Miller certainly deserves the top spot, but don't criticize Philbin for stating it's very close.........it's a message to Miller to keep improving and don't screw up......other options still exist.

Thomas is a grinder. Miller is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. In a nutshell, that is why he is in there. Miller - Thomas will make a nice 1-2 punch but rather than a 3rd down back, I'd like to see Thomas in the game simply to give Miller a rest. If Miller catches a swing pass against a LB, its a 20yd gain minimum.

The best way to protect Tannehill is a couple of nice short passes to Miller on some quick hitters and screens. Once he burns the defense, RT won't be seeing too many blitzing LBs and safeties. Put the fear of the big play in the DCs mind and the game is over.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks/_/week/1/seasontype/2 Didn't I read a AFC East Preview where they said don't believe the Dolphins Hype? I asked then and I'll ask now...what hype? Most of the guys "in the know" don't even have the Dolphins beating lowly Cleveland.

So, who's weak-minded to believe these Jedi mind-tricks? I wish every Dolphins coach would stop treating us like idiots. This is the age of the internet. We see every play over and over, and see the stats to back them up.

The best way to protect Tannehill is a couple of nice short passes to Miller on some quick hitters and screens. Once he burns the defense, RT won't be seeing too many blitzing LBs and safeties. Put the fear of the big play in the DCs mind and the game is over.

I remember Miller dropping a big 3rd down pass versus either TB or Houston. Makes me kind of nervous about his consistency.

That said, I agree that Miller should be starting and getting the bulk of the carries.

Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said it’s vital for the Dolphins to be able to run the ball in the red zone (the area inside the opponents’ 20-yard line).

“We have to be able to run the ball better in the red zone because people really defend the pass pretty well,” Sherman said. “There’s just so many defenders up there in the short areas. They just make it impossible to throw some times.”

Sherman, who would likely rely largely on running back Daniel Thomas instead of Lamar Miller close to the goalline, also said he needs to do a better job calling plays.

“A couple of games ago I thought it could have been a better job calling some runs down there,” he said.

“I think they’ve improved, both of them, and we definitely need those guys to perform well for us,” Philbin added. “I think [Miller] played well. I think he caught the ball well, ran the ball well. I thought Daniel did as well. It’s very, very close. UNTILLLL Miller broke off that 40 yard TD against the Browns today”